by Bailey White
Staff Writer
The Landing has lost three of its businesses in a matter of weeks, and a fourth, Claire’s Boutique, is planning to close this weekend.
Georgiou, a women’s dress shop, closed at the end of August. GS’s Cigarz at the Landing and Florida Health Foods have also left vacancies at the downtown mall.
“It’s scary,” said Harold Fine, owner of Discount Pro Wear and Destination Jacksonville, two Landing shops. “Any vacancies make consumers wonder what’s going on. I worry about the impression it gives to visitors. And Discount Pro Wear was basically the male waiting room while women shopped at Claire’s.”
John Kiddy, general manager of the Landing, confirmed that three stores have closed in the past month, citing the depressed economy as the reason. Kiddy noted that he is speaking with possible tenants for vacant restaurant and retail units.
“We have a lot of different businesses on our wish list, all of which would be able to serve the downtown office worker,” said Kiddy.
One new business that plans to open soon is 20-15 Vision, a designer eyewear shop. The shop is currently under construction and may be open in the next couple of weeks.
Despite the recent closures, Fine is hopeful that the Landing will eventually revive itself.
“I’m pro Landing and pro Jacksonville. I checked out other malls before opening Discount Pro Wear here five years ago,” he said. “I liked this environment because we can do business in a laid-back manner. People can have a beer while they shop and have a good time.”